Kolkata: The BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has issued an order to reopen the cases related to the 2021 post-poll violence in West Bengal.
A senior government official said on Wednesday that it was also instructed that strict measures must be taken against illegal cattle smuggling.
The order issued by the state government read, “There are serious complaints regarding investigation of post poll cases. The old cases of political violence in your jurisdiction in c/w Assembly Election – 2021, need to be reviewed for appropriate legal action.”
It further said, “The Final Reports (FRTs) submitted in connection with the 2021 post-poll incident cases shall be reviewed carefully, and necessary action shall be taken wherever required. In case there is any lapse in investigation, the cases should be reopened and thoroughly investigated.”
The government said that fresh cases may be registered where specific cases were not registered, and also in cases where preliminary enquiry reveals cognizable offence
“SP/CP to personally supervise this process. Investigation of these cases should be regularly monitored along with trial after submitting the charge sheet,” reads the order.
It is worth mentioning that a large number of incidents of post-poll violence had taken place after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress had retained power in the state after defeating a surging BJP in Bengal. The BJP became the main opposition party in Bengal after winning 77 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections. The party improved its tally from 3 seats in 2016 to 77 seats in five years.
As a result, ruling party workers were accused of large-scale violence against opposition workers, especially those who were affiliated with the BJP. There were incidents of murder, rape, vandalism and attacks on BJP workers and their family members.
The matter reached the Calcutta High Court, which had ordered CBI probes in serious incidents of murder and rapes.
However, several cases are still going on while victims are waiting for justice. After the change of government in West Bengal, initiatives have been taken to reopen such cases.
(IANS)
